In 2019, Cloudhead Games released the innovative VR rhythm shooter, Pistol Whip, and it quickly became one of the best games available on major VR headsets. Now, in 2023, we revisit Pistol Whip to assess all the new content and features that have been added since its release.
Pistol Whip takes the successful formula of VR rhythm games like Beat Saber and adds a cinematic, action-based twist. Each song, or scene, in the game moves you through the level at a steady pace, and you must shoot or punch enemies to the beat of the music. The game's influences, such as John Wick and The Matrix, are evident, and the developers have created an entirely original experience.
One of the hesitations in our original review was the relatively small offering of 10 tracks. However, since then, Pistol Whip has expanded significantly, with a total of 34 official scenes available in-game. There are also two themed mini-campaigns, a Contracts system, different weapons, a local co-op mode, and a new Styles system that overhauls and expands the game's original modifiers. Additionally, players can now build custom scenes in the PC version of the game using the Pistol Mix modding tool.
What sets Pistol Whip apart from other VR releases is that all of this new content has been provided to players as free updates. The developers decided to raise the price of the base game instead of releasing paid DLC, ensuring that both new and existing players can enjoy the added content without additional cost.
The two mini-campaigns, 2089 and Smoke and Thunder, offer well-crafted collections of scenes with new themed environments and mechanics. They add variety and excitement to the game, and once completed, the scenes become available in Arcade mode with various combinations of weapons and modifiers. The Styles system allows players to create their favorite combinations of modifiers, weapons, and scenes, offering endless play possibilities.
Pistol Whip has come a long way since its initial release, and it continues to impress with its expanding content and commitment to player satisfaction. If you're a fan of VR rhythm games or action shooters, Pistol Whip is a must-play experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Sources:
– Original review from 2019
– Personal experience and playtesting
Definitions:
– VR: Virtual Reality
– DLC: Downloadable Content